Lauren Ashley here: Where does the time go? I had every intention to write more in this historically rich land of Egypt and now I am here in Dahab on debrief. We have had so many different opportunities since arriving here two weeks ago to work and socialize among many different types of people here. Within the first few days we were in full swing going to a children’s home, hospital, Sudanese refugee camps and a couple of children’s programs. We were even invited to an engagement party for the sister of one of the kids who were at our program. While we were soaking up the Egyptian style party Beau was asked to sing so he broke out into “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys on his guitar. As soon as Beau and the rest of us were done singing one of the Egyptians lead us into “Hosanna in the Highest” in Arabic, we could not stop laughing at the whole thing when we left.
Sarah, our main translator was completely amazing in helping us communicate clearly and really get to see Cairo like a native. She also brought her friends around which was great because it allowed us to get to really know some people instead of see them once that is all. Now each of us has five or six Egyptians that we will be able to stay in contact with and hopefully see again one day. They taught us catch phrases in Arabic that we have used to make others laugh or just lighten the mood, like: “YA-LA-WHO-EEEE!!!” which is “OMG!” or “Yo teeka schwanna!” meaning “It gives you wiiings!” off of the Red Bull commercials. You would be surprised how quickly people will warm up to you just for saying “YA-LA-WHO-EEEE!” our camel guides thought it was hilarious.
My absolute favorite thing I experienced was on our last day when we went to Islamic Cairo in the major mosque. Lena, one of Sarah’s friends, went inside with us to translate for us if we wanted to talk or someone was talking to us and I am so grateful she did. We went in and I was sitting up against the wall observing the ritualistic prayers and journaling about the whole thing. While writing about how I felt and such I sensed that someone was hovering over me watching me and when I looked up there was this lady there in full garb with her veil lifted just staring at me; I smiled and waved and she went at sat back down. I knew she was still watching and so I said “hello” and Lena started talking to her. To my surprise she told Lena that I was like a light in a dark place and she couldn’t stop staring at me; then she went on to say that she was praying that her daughter would look like me, which I am told is a very high compliment in their culture. I was completely floored and I don’t think I could have dreamt up a better finish for this time of my life.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Toot-Sweet Tunis the wonderful treat
Lauren Ashley here: Life in Tunis was an adventure to say the least. We did so much in the short time we were there. At the school we were able to remove about a ton of garbage from the basement, sand down doors, spackle holes in walls and wire for a fire alarm. We also went to a youth group a couple of times and were able to really get to know some of the people there and encourage them to keep fighting the good fight.
Our contact, Hanen was utterly amazing!! She is one of the sweetest, funniest and most charming women I know. She does not hold anything back. She is great. One of my favorite things about her is that she does not let you get away with slacking off. (no being late! Woo hoo!)
Will and Jeremy came for the second part of our time in Tunis which was very refreshing. They gave us a mental health day their first full day in Tunis which is exactly what the team needed to recharge. We had been so drained for way too long. We also had a fun day when Hanen took me to her parent’s summer home where we ate a delightful meal with her sisters and then headed to the beach with everyone else. That’s right the beach aka the Mediterranean Sea. I am not sure I have had that much fun at a beach in a long time. The water there is different than back home, more salty which means easier to float in. We also had brownies made by the wonderful Hanen. On our way to dinner we passed by a blood donation station where Hanen and I decided to donate to the cause. I have to say that giving my blood has been one of the highlights of this trip, I don’t know why but I absolutely loved it.
Leaving Tunisia was like leaving India . . . PAINFUL! I did not want to go at all. Hanen and I were trying to figure out a way to sneak me back into the country without the team realizing I was gone. Alas, we got on our plane parting ways and traveling as a team via air for the last time.
Our contact, Hanen was utterly amazing!! She is one of the sweetest, funniest and most charming women I know. She does not hold anything back. She is great. One of my favorite things about her is that she does not let you get away with slacking off. (no being late! Woo hoo!)
Will and Jeremy came for the second part of our time in Tunis which was very refreshing. They gave us a mental health day their first full day in Tunis which is exactly what the team needed to recharge. We had been so drained for way too long. We also had a fun day when Hanen took me to her parent’s summer home where we ate a delightful meal with her sisters and then headed to the beach with everyone else. That’s right the beach aka the Mediterranean Sea. I am not sure I have had that much fun at a beach in a long time. The water there is different than back home, more salty which means easier to float in. We also had brownies made by the wonderful Hanen. On our way to dinner we passed by a blood donation station where Hanen and I decided to donate to the cause. I have to say that giving my blood has been one of the highlights of this trip, I don’t know why but I absolutely loved it.
Leaving Tunisia was like leaving India . . . PAINFUL! I did not want to go at all. Hanen and I were trying to figure out a way to sneak me back into the country without the team realizing I was gone. Alas, we got on our plane parting ways and traveling as a team via air for the last time.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Turkey wrap with a hint of Tunisia
Lauren Ashley here: I should have done this a while ago but this is the first chance I have been able to sit down and think since arriving in Tunis. Our time in Söke was by far my favorite time in Turkey for work purposes that is. We had a meeting with one of the top police officers, toured city hall, had a movie night with the community, a dinner/meeting with a large group of people and so much more. We met this lovely lady Eileen who had us over for tea, snacks and the chance to just encourage her and reflect on our time in Söke.
Our journey to Tunisia was a long one 12-hour bus followed by an 8-hour stay at the airport and ending with a plane ride that was longer than it needed to be since we seemed to sit on the tarmac for an hour. After arriving to Tunis all of the stress of travel just melted away. Us girls got to our current place of residency and were completely floored, we are staying in a home and everyone has their own area. I am in a room of a little girl named Hannah staying a full size loft bed with speakers I can plug my ipod into so I can jam out in my free time. I love it here and us girls have had some good times together in this place.
The first night Hanen, our contact had a team meeting with all of us and we went out for our first of many tasty meals. Since then the adventure has only improved with every passing day. We have done manual labor at a French school, gone to multiple meetings to share a bit about us and what we are about as well as hang out with a few of the youth from here. We all have had a lovely time just being here.
Our journey to Tunisia was a long one 12-hour bus followed by an 8-hour stay at the airport and ending with a plane ride that was longer than it needed to be since we seemed to sit on the tarmac for an hour. After arriving to Tunis all of the stress of travel just melted away. Us girls got to our current place of residency and were completely floored, we are staying in a home and everyone has their own area. I am in a room of a little girl named Hannah staying a full size loft bed with speakers I can plug my ipod into so I can jam out in my free time. I love it here and us girls have had some good times together in this place.
The first night Hanen, our contact had a team meeting with all of us and we went out for our first of many tasty meals. Since then the adventure has only improved with every passing day. We have done manual labor at a French school, gone to multiple meetings to share a bit about us and what we are about as well as hang out with a few of the youth from here. We all have had a lovely time just being here.
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